UEFA Women’s Champions League playoffs: Arsenal peaking at right time; Man United destroy Atletico Madrid

The opening legs of the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout-phase playoffs produced statement wins, dramatic collapses and a reminder that the holders are beginning to hit their stride at the ideal moment.

Arsenal, champions a year ago but only fourth in the current WSL table, underlined why they remain the team to beat in Europe with a merciless 4-0 dismantling of Belgian debutants OH Leuven at Den Dreef. A Frida Maanum brace, Olivia Smith’s solo strike and an own goal gave the Gunners a tie-clinching advantage and stretched their UWCL clean-sheet streak to four games. Smith, who led all players with 16 touches in the opposition box, will sit out the return through suspension after a late yellow card for time-wasting, yet Renee Slegers’ side already look bound for a quarter-final date with Chelsea.

Former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie, speaking on CBS Sports, praised the clarity Slegers has brought to the squad: “She’s direct, explains exactly where you stand, and the plans have been exceptional. That versatility is huge when you’re coming into the business end.” The numbers back up the eye test: Arsenal generated 2.67 expected goals from 19 attempts while limiting Leuven to 0.14 xG off five tame shots.

While the holders cruised, Real Madrid survived a Parisian scare to win 3-2 at Paris FC and finally break a hex that had seen them fail to beat the French side in four previous UWCL meetings. Kaja Korošec’s sensational tenth-minute volley put the hosts ahead before Caroline Weir and Linda Caicedo—named Player of the Match—flipped the contest. Maeline Mendy’s stoppage-time reply keeps the tie alive heading to Madrid, but the Spanish giants carry a precious one-goal cushion.

In Germany, Juventus were five minutes from a famous victory at the AOK Stadium until Wolfsburg’s late surge produced a 2-2 draw. January signing Ana Capeta scored and assisted Amalie Vangsgaard’s header as the Bianconeri twice led, only for Janina Minge’s 82nd-minute penalty and Sarai Linder’s curling 94th-minute equaliser to snatch a result that feels like a defeat for the Italians.

Manchester United, meanwhile, turned defence into devastation in the Spanish capital, toppling Atlético Madrid 3-0 behind goals from Leah Galton, Nikita Parris and an own goal. Maya Le Tissier and Dominique Janssen repelled everything Atlético threw their way, helping Phallon Tullis-Joyce preserve yet another UWCL clean sheet. “United’s centre-back pairing is so connected; they organise everyone in front of them,” Beattie noted. “Le Tissier is one of the most underrated defenders in Europe.”

With second legs to come, Arsenal and United hold commanding leads, Real Madrid own a slender edge, and Wolfsburg-Juventus is anyone’s game. But the message from the first night of knock-out football is clear: the holders are heating up, and the Red Devils look every inch a dark horse.